The doctors who treat cancer patients are called oncologists. But, chemotherapy is administered by a Chemotherapist and his / her team. The chemotherapists and their team are specialized professionals. They use the latest treatment methods like targeted or erlotinib chemotherapy, proton therapy, etc., to cure cancer. Sometimes, combination of chemotherapy drugs that cure cancer by shrinking the size of the cancer cells are also given to the patient. These drugs are usually injected into the bloodstream through the vein of the patient. Doctors and chemotherapy nurses are thus expected to be well trained to handle the drug and inject it in the patient’s body. . Any lack of minute attention could be life threatening for the patient.

One must evaluate following aspects before selecting a Chemotherapist:

Is your doctor experienced in designing an efficient and correct regimen for your treatment

1. Is the doctor and his team available during the time of emergency
2. Does the cancer clinic offer modern amenities with advanced medical equipments
3. Are the nurses and other staff amenable and learned
4. Is the clinic or doctor’s office located near to your place

The chemotherapy drugs are injected using a thin tube or a cannula into the veins. The cannula is placed in the bigger veins at the chest or on the arm after a minor surgery. This requires a careful administration and thorough practice. One must thus adhere to an experienced practitioner. The amenities must be appropriate and surroundings should be calm as sometimes the patient has to spend few days in the hospital. Chemotherapists at times advise the patient to remain in hospitals for two to three days until the drug cycle is completed. The patient can go home during the rest period.

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. The dosage of the drugs varies with the type of cancer and the physical health of the patient. Some receive it every day while others are given the dose after every two to three weeks. Some doctors give some anti emetics to curb nausea. This is given before or after the chemotherapy treatment.

Chemotherapy alone is not sufficient to treat the cancer. It is usually coupled with a surgical removal of the tumor and radiation therapy. It is hence obligatory for a chemotherapist to have a holistic knowledge of the treatment procedure. A chemotherapist must elaborate the entire treatment plan and medications either to the patient or his relative, so that they get the overall idea of the treatment, basics of chemotherapy, its duration and its cost. Chemotherapy doctors also inform the patients about chemotherapy after care, so that the patient experiences fewer side effects and enjoys a prolonged life.